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Statement in response to the government's plans to track social mobility

22 May 2012

Matthew Reed, Chief Executive of The Children’s Society, said:

'This commitment to track progress on key indicators of social mobility is really commendable. For the first time we will be able to see whether the gap between children in advantaged and disadvantaged families is closing.

'We can now see that on almost all the indicators of progress for children including low birth weight, school readiness and school attainment, the social mobility gap has been closing during the first decade of the 21st century. This progress must not be stalled or reversed by austerity measures.

'The pupil premium and support for disadvantaged 2 year olds will make a difference but The Children’s Society is deeply concerned that cuts to support for families such as through the abolition of the health in pregnancy grant, restrictions on the Sure Start Maternity Grant, and cuts to support with housing costs could lead to more disadvantaged families dropping further behind wealthier families once again.

'If the government is serious about social mobility, they must make the investment that children and families in the most disadvantaged families really need.'

Ends

Media enquiries

For more information, please call David Dinnage in The Children’s Society media team on 020 7841 4422, 07775 600582 or email david.dinnage@childrenssociety.org.uk. For out-of-hours enquiries please call 07810 796 508.

Notes to editors

The Children’s Society wants to create a society where children and young people are valued, respected and happy. We are committed to helping vulnerable and disadvantaged young people, including children in care and young runaways. We give a voice to disabled children, help young refugees to rebuild their lives and provide relief for young carers. Through our campaigns and research, we seek to influence policy and perceptions so that young people have a better chance in life.

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